Two of the biggest unions in San Jose, which represent over 4,000 workers, have reached a stalemate with the city and voted yes for a three day strike. While both sides have met again for renegotiations, if an agreement isn't met soon, on of the largest planed strikes in recent history will happen on August 15th, 2023.

Of course this isn't the only battel being waged between city workers and the city they serve, a one day strike just occurred in Los Angeles with over 7,000 city workers taking to the street. The demand for higher wages, better working conditions, and more respect is a call that seems to be coming from all sides, from the public to the private sector. 

But will this increase in strikes, and for some in unionizing in the first place, end up giving workers what they're looking for? And can cities and employers employers realistically meet the demands?

For more, KCBS Radio's Mary Hughes spoke with Enrique Lopezlira, director of the Low-Wage Work program at the UC Berkeley Labor Center, and Michael LeRoy Professor of Labor and Employment Relations.